"Jake! How've ya been?" the stocky man in oil stained overalls asked, as he greeted me with a cheery wave. He put down his torque wrench, and strolled across the garage to join me.

I stepped down out of my car, closing the heavy door with the satisfying weighty sound of well oiled hinges locking it into place. "Not bad, not bad at all, Bob," I replied, with a broad grin.

Glancing behind me at my car, he frowned as he asked, "What happened to the Valkyrie? Been looking for trouble again?"

I chuckled and shrugged playfully as I replied, "You know me, Bob. Couldn't let an opportunity pass to ride to the rescue!"

Bob rolled his eyes, but his grin told me he wasn't too mad. "The usual then?" he asked me curiously.

"Yeah, that'd be great! I burned through at least five-hundred-rounds of twenty-millimetre for the Vulcans', and if you could replace the damaged plating, that would be fantastic," I replied hopefully.

He gave me an affectionate smile, then said, "I'm pretty sure I've got that in stock. Give me a couple of hours, and I'll have it reloaded and looking as good as new."

"You're a miracle worker!" I told him gratefully, then looked at him suspiciously, and asked, "How much of a dent's this going to put in my retirement fund?"

He laughed, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment, then said, "Two large ought to cover it."

I winced, then nodded good naturedly, and said, "You'll be retiring before me at this rate."

A sad look briefly crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with a smile, and gestured over to the computer on the desk by the workbench. Deciding not to pry into my old friend's private business, I reached into my coat for my credit stick, and followed him over to his desk. I pressed my thumb to the DNA reader built into the side, and it chimed quietly as it confirmed my ID. I frowned at the readout as it listed my funds. Highlighted in an easy-to-read green font, the display showed, "Available balance: 12345 credits."

Maybe Katie had been right after all. I probably should have taken the bounty money after that last job, but I just couldn't do it. Shady Creek was a small town being harassed by gangers, and even though the townsfolk had offered ten-large to protect them, I could tell by the dilapidated state of their homesteads that they couldn't really afford it. They could hardly believe me when I turned them down, telling them to put the money towards their kid's education instead. Their looks of astonishment and hugs of gratitude had made the whole endeavour worthwhile, even if it had ended up costing me two thousand credits to help them.

Bob had run up the cost for the ammo, and repairs on the Valkyrie, then rounded it down to two grand with my repeat customer discount. I waved the credit stick over the reader at the side, and it made a soft beep as the balance was adjusted. He tipped his peaked red cap, and grinned as he said, "Much obliged, Jake."

"I'll be in the Atomic if you need me," I replied, as I started walking over to my trailer.

I was going to see if Katie wanted to come too, but I thought better of it, knowing she'd still be pissed. Besides, it was probably for the best if she stayed right here. Katie was a dusky hued beauty, who tended to raise pulses when she accompanied me to a bar. She also had a legendary temper, and I wanted to avoid getting into any trouble if I could help it. Turning on my heel, I waved Bob goodbye, then strolled hastily out of the garage.

It was a blazingly hot autumn day outside, and a strong wind blew dust down the high street, swirling around my feet in little eddies. I waited for an old sedan to pass by, before jogging across the street and stepping onto the sidewalk on the other side. Most of the locals liked to stay indoors at midday, avoiding the fierce heat from the bright orange sun, so it was deserted as I strolled along, taking in the sights Kinsberg had to offer.

The street quietly baked in the sun, with slightly worn looking cars parked along the sidewalk, in front of the long row of small, dusty shops. Despite the tired and rundown appearance of the place, Kinsberg was actually a thriving little town, seeing steady growth over the last couple of decades. There were dozens of successful businesses here, and more were springing up all the time, along with a steady stream of hopeful settlers making homes for themselves here.

I'd actually grown up on a small farm near Kinsberg, before leaving Charon IV, and heading off-planet to seek my fortunes in the Asphalt Arenas. The town had certainly changed since then, but not as much as I had, and it still felt small and parochial after the gleaming cities on the Gameworlds.

Deciding not to get maudlin and start dwelling in the past, I hurried along, keeping my head down so my hat could keep the dust out of my eyes. It didn't take long to reach my destination, and I breezed through the doors of Kinsberg's finest drinking establishment, the Atomic Saloon. I quickly glanced around the place, casting a quick and wary eye over the patrons. I'd made plenty of enemies over the last couple of decades, so you could never be too careful. It was busy in here today, with the usual mix of mercs, farmers, and townies, but I didn't spot anyone that raised the old hackles. Weaving around a couple of chatting patrons, I headed over to the bar, where the bartender was busy serving a chilled beer to a burly farmhand.

"Jake!" the bartender exclaimed in surprise, when he glanced in my direction. "I didn't know you were back in town. Staying for long?"

I removed my hat and duster-coat, dropping them on a vacant bar-stool, then leaned against the comforting sturdiness of the solid oak bar. "Nothing planned for the moment, Abraham," I replied with a jovial grin. "Just kicking back for a bit, while Bob gives the Valkyrie some TLC."

"Yeah, I heard all about Shady Creek. Gangers wasn't it?" he asked conversationally, as he reached for a bottle of bourbon from up on one of the liquor stocked shelves.

I nodded, then frowned as I replied, "They're getting bolder. I haven't seen gangers head this far south for years."

Abraham poured out the dark-golden bourbon, then added a handful of ice-cubes just as I liked it. Katie didn't really like me drinking, but just the one wouldn't hurt. Anyway, I'd earned this one after my recent good deeds.

"There you go," Abraham said with a grin. He glanced over at the other side of the saloon, then frowned as he said apologetically, "There's a couple of mercs at your table, but I can move them along if you want."

I smiled at him, and giving a nonchalant shrug, I said, "Leave them be. I'm happy sitting at the bar." I reached for my credit-stick, and asked, "How much for the drink?"

He chuckled, and replied warmly, "Jake, you know your money's no good here."

Raising the glass in a grateful salute, I closed my eyes as I took a sip, feeling the welcome burn of the alcohol as it slipped down my throat. Leaning against the solid bar, I relaxed with my drink, not being in any particular rush to get back to Bob's Garage. I lost track of time as I savoured the bourbon, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders, while listening with half an ear as Abraham made polite conversation with his customers.

There was an air of tranquillity in the Atomic, with men talking quietly at their tables, enjoying some time out of the sun, and relishing an early afternoon drink. The peaceful ambience was disturbed by the loud creak of the door swinging open behind me, but the quiet that descended in the saloon afterwards was far more worrying.

After the rough baritone voices that had previously filled the room, the bright, airy soprano sounded like a glorious songbird had flown into the saloon. "I'm looking for Titanium Jake. Have any of you seen him?" she called out in a clear, confident voice.

I put down my glass, then slowly turned to study this new arrival. She was holding the door open, so she was silhouetted against the bright sunlight, which was streaming through the doorway into the moodily lit saloon. I couldn't make out her features, but she certainly cut an impressive figure. The locals in the bar all knew who I was, and had turned to look my way at the mention of my name. The girl picked up on the stares, so she let go of the door, letting it swing shut behind her, as she started to walk gracefully in my direction.

Now that the door was closed behind her, and after I blinked a couple of times, I was able to get a good look at the girl. She was young, probably early twenties if I had to guess, standing at about five-foot-five, and wearing a full set of black, figure-hugging biker leathers. Long, wavy brown hair fell around her shoulders, framing a very pretty face, and her striking green eyes had a look of determination to them as they were fixed firmly on me. I started to rise from my seat, just as one of the brawny mercs sitting at one of the tables between us stood up as well, blocking her path to the bar. He was at least seven foot tall, with enormously broad shoulders, and his armoured frame completely concealed the girl from view.

"Hold on there, honey," he said playfully. "If you're looking for male company, I'd be happy to oblige."

She sidestepped him without comment, rolling her eyes as she glided purposefully in my direction.

"Hey, wait a minute," he protested with a frown, turning and reaching out to take hold of her arm. "There's no need to be rude, I just want a nice friendly chat."

She tugged her arm, but he wouldn't let go, and she said indignantly, "Get your fucking hands off me!"

The big mercenary's eyes narrowed in anger, and I strode over to intervene before things turned ugly. His companion eyed me with alarm, and grabbed at the bigger man's arm, trying to tug him away as he hissed, "Stop dicking around Moorland, don't you know who that is?!"

The big merc sneered at his buddy, and yanked his arm free, then looked my way, saying, "Why don't you fuck off, before you get hurt."

"There's no need for violence, friend. Let go of the girl, and you can go about your business," I said in a quiet, calm voice, attempting to defuse the situation.

He let her go, much to my relief, but it was only to square off against me instead. He reached out with his meaty paw of a hand, shoving me in the chest, as he said with contempt, "I think some violence is just what we need, 'friend'."

His buddy backed away in alarm, and I glanced his way, just to make sure he wasn't reaching for a weapon. The huge merc in front of me took that momentary look as a chance to get in a surprise blow, and he swung his fist at me in a hefty right hook. He was a big man though, slow on his feet, and cumbersome with his attack. I weaved backwards, deftly avoiding the wild swing, then countered with a swift jab to his chin.

A split second before my punch connected, there was a smooth metallic whir, and the hydraulic rams in my bionic hand activated, sending the titanium fist slamming into the mercs lantern-jaw. His head snapped back, his eyes rolling as he tipped over, then crashed to the floor with a loud clatter. I stepped forward to finish the job, and his companion scrambled over, hands upraised.

"He didn't mean anything by it, Jake. We'll leave now," he pleaded in a panic.

I nodded at him, moving back to give him room, and with some help from a couple of the regulars, they dragged the big merc out of the saloon. Satisfied that the ugly confrontation was over, I turned to the girl, to check she was alright. She had a look of shock on her face, but it quickly turned to curiosity, and she studied my face intently.

I raised an eyebrow at her intense scrutiny, and said, "I'm Jake, but you're making me feel like I need to produce an ID. Who are you, and why are you looking for me?"

She flushed slightly in embarrassment, then replied, "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. My name's Rebecca Beaumont. I believe you know my mother, Jessica."

I grinned, shaking my head in amazement, and exclaimed, "You're Jessica Beaumont's kid?!" I stopped to look at her, and smiled, saying, "Yeah, I see it now. You look a lot like her when she was about your age; she was a knockout too. How is Jess? I haven't seen her in years..."

Rebecca smiled shyly at my compliment, then looked worried as she replied, "Mom sent me here to find you. She said you hang out in Kinsberg, when you aren't out looking for trouble."

I let out an embarrassed chuckle, then paused as I looked at her carefully, and asked, "Is your mom in trouble? Is that why she sent you to find me?"

Giving a slight nod, Rebecca looked around furtively, and leaned in as she asked, "Can we talk somewhere a little more private?"

I nodded agreeably, then returned to pick up my hat and long coat, nodding my thanks to Abraham for the drink as I left. I followed Rebecca out into the scorching sunshine, and she glided over to a powerful looking bike that was parked just outside the Atomic Saloon.

Whistling appreciatively, I exclaimed, "That's a hell of a bike!" I leaned in for a closer look, and immediately spotted the telltale weapon ports in the front faring, so asked in surprise, "You're packing heat on that beast as well?"

"Twin Machine Guns," she said as she nodded, looking proud of the blue and white machine, with its flowing curves and sporty lines.

I wasn't an expert on bikes, but I could tell it was a very expensive model, based on the machines used in the bike-classification matches in the Arenas. It looked brand new as well, and I wondered how Rebecca, or more realistically Jessica, could have afforded such an extravagance.

I pointed down the road, and said, "I'm parked up at Bob's Garage. We can talk in my trailer."

"Alright, I'll follow you over," she agreed, and she walked over to the big bike, lithely throwing her slender, leather clad leg over the seat.

I started walking briskly back to Bob's, and I heard Rebecca start the engine behind me, coming to life with a throaty purr. She revved the throttle a little, then caught up beside me as I strolled along, moving quickly to make it easier for her to keep the bike stable. When I walked into Bob's Garage, he was putting the finishing touches on a re-spray of the paintwork, and he stood back to admire his handiwork.

My Valkyrie was a custom designed piece of destructive art, and essentially a reproduction of the vehicle I'd won my Asphalt Arena trophies with. Weighing in at just over four tonnes when carrying a full weapon load, twenty feet long, eight feet wide, and with four massive, chunky wheels, it was closer to an APC than a car. Despite its bulk, the Valkyrie had a ten-litre engine capable of over two-thousand horsepower, and I'd been able to push it to one-seventy on the freeway. I'd had it painted a bright blue, with white flashes that curved around the diamond edged ram-plate, then swept up the side of the car. Finally, adorned in striking red lettering, the number "17" was painted on either side.

Rebecca brought her bike to a stop, turned off the engine, then activated the anti-grav stand which held the machine stable. She smoothly dismounted her ride, then walked over to join me. She didn't say anything, and when I turned to look at her, she was staring at the Valkyrie in open-mouthed wonder.

Realising I was watching her, she blushed slightly, and said, "I don't think you can call my bike a 'beast' when you're driving around in that thing!"

I laughed, and looking at Bob, I said, "Perfect job as usual, thanks pal."

He grinned at me, and wagging a chastising finger, he said, "Take better care of it next time!"

I nodded whilst trying to look chagrined, then strolled over to the armoured trailer hooked up to the back of the Valkyrie. I pressed my hand against the DNA reader on the side of the trailer, and the armour plated door unlocked with the smooth whir of hydraulic bolts being withdrawn. I opened the reinforced door tentatively, then looked around for Katie. The door to the bedroom was closed, so I guessed she was probably sulking, and giving me the silent treatment. That was okay though. She'd been looking after me for all these long years on the road, so I didn't mind that she was a little high spirited.

Stepping up into the trailer, I turned and smiled at Rebecca, inviting her in as I said, "Come on up, and make yourself at home. Can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink?"

She followed after me into my home away from home, and I smiled when I caught the look on her face. The girl was obviously impressed, by the plush, modern, and very expensive trailer. Walking into the lounge area at the back, she sat down, crossing her leather clad legs demurely, and said, "I've been on the road a while, so a cold drink would be great."

I nodded amiably, leaning down to open the fridge, and pulled out a couple of cans of Tetra-cola. "Want a glass and ice?" I asked her politely.

Shaking her head, she said, "As long as it's chilled, straight from the can would be great."

I threw her one of the cans in an easy, under-arm throw, and she caught it deftly. Holding her thumb down on the top, the can unsealed with a fizzing hiss, and she brought it to her lips, and took a big drink. I copied her, chugging the whole can in a series of big mouthfuls, and letting out a huge sigh afterwards, relishing the momentary sugar rush. She swallowed the rest, following my lead, then grinned at me happily.

She looked breathtakingly beautiful in that moment, her hundred megawatt smile lighting up my trailer with its brilliance, and reminding me sharply of her mother. That memory triggered another more recent one, and I asked, "You were going to tell me about your mom? Something about her being in trouble?"

Rebecca's smile turned into a worried frown, and I immediately regretted my words that had taken away the shining radiance of her gorgeous smile.

Nodding, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. She held it out to me, and said, "That was wrapped around a brick. Some asshole biker threw it through our window yesterday, before high-tailing it out of there."

I walked over and took the note from her slender hand, then sat down, and carefully unfolded the paper. Written in a scratchy red ink, someone had scrawled the following:

"Tell that bastard to be here tomorrow night, or we take our time with your daughter, and burn you and your home to the ground.

The Skorpions."

I looked up at Rebecca in alarm, and said, "You better take me there now. How far is it to your Mom's place?"

She looked at me in confusion for a moment, then replied hesitantly, "Her truckstop is about sixty miles out of town, heading west on Route Forty-Three."

I rose to my feet and nodded decisively as I said, "I just need to refuel the Valkyrie, then we can roll out." I looked at her curiously, and asked, "Who's the guy they're looking for, anyway, is it your Dad?"

Rebecca stood up smoothly, and she studied my face as she replied, "Mom didn't say who the note referred to. I lost my Dad before I was born."

I looked into her eyes, and said sympathetically, "I'm really sorry, I had no idea."

She nodded, waving away my apology, then walked with me over to the reinforced door. We climbed down the steps from the trailer, and I closed the Titanium plated door behind me, which swung closed with a dull whir as the bolts locked the reinforced door into place. Bob had the hood up on an old green Jeep, and was busy tinkering with the engine. He heard us leave the trailer, and leaned back, wiping his brow with an oil smeared rag, that left more mess than it cleaned.

"You heading out now, Jake?" he asked me with a smile.

I nodded, and replied, "Duty calls... a damsel in distress."

He frowned, and said, "Take better care of the Valkyrie this time."

"Hey, you know me, Bob," I said, with a grin. "I do my best."

He chuckled and said, "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of."

While Rebecca strode over to her bike, I pressed the remote in my jacket pocket as I headed for the Valkyrie. The heavy door swung open with a hiss, and I climbed inside, taking a refreshing lungful of cold, clean air. After the blistering heat and dust outside, it felt wonderful to be able to breathe more easily. I stripped off my long-coat and hat, placing them in the passenger's seat, and settled back in the familiar driver's chair. It was a wonder of ergonomic design, moulding itself to my body, and coloured jet black with a blue trim.

Leaning forward, I placed my right thumb on the dash, and the interior of the Valkyrie came to life. The panels cast a soft blue glow about the interior of the cab, bringing up the local map, and the regulars like top speed, rev counter, fuel tank and cell storage levels. The Valkyrie was a hybrid, with solar panels on the trailer charging the energy cell for normal cruising, and a big tank full of racing fuel for when I needed some extra poke. The tank was looking perilously close to empty, so I was glad I mentioned refuelling it to Rebecca.

I turned to check how she was doing, and when she saw me look her way, she gave me a thumbs up and started the engine on her bike. She turned a tight circle, then disappeared from view, and I gave her a few seconds to get well clear before I started the ignition. There was a bass rumble as the Valkyrie ticked over, before the noise quieted a little as the electrics kicked in. I gave Bob a farewell salute, and he waved me goodbye as I backed out of the garage, and on to the forecourt.

Rebecca was waiting for me, and she pulled away onto the quiet main street, heading west towards the gas station on this side of town. We drove quietly along the streets of Kinsberg, overtaking the occasional car, and a couple of farm trucks dropping off produce at the local supermarket. It was nice to see the place looking so relaxed and sleepy, a place of quiet refuge from the chaos out in the Badlands.

We were quickly approaching the gas station, and I beeped the horn, just to remind Rebecca in case she'd forgotten. She waved back at me, then pulled into the station, skilfully avoiding a bus full of parishioners that lurched out ahead of her. I swung the Valkyrie in at my pump, while she brought her blue and white bike to a stop at one of the regular refuelling points. I pressed the button on the dash that would unseal the tank, then got out, making sure I quickly shut the door behind me to keep the cab cool and fresh.

I walked over to my pump of super-high-octane racing fuel; well, I say mine, but it really belonged to Hank, who ran the gas station. I didn't really imagine there was too much demand for this kind of quality fuel, and I'd never seen anyone else using it. Still, Hank was a nice guy, and kept the pump going for the Valkyrie. I picked up the hose from the pump marked with the distinctive five-star pentagram symbol of "El-Diablo, Hi-Octane", and stuck the nozzle through the hole for the Valkyrie's gas tank.

"Hey, Rebecca," I called over the hood of the Valkyrie, to the girl who was watching me fill up the tank. "Is the bike a hybrid too? Top it off if you want, I'm buying."

She pulled off the black helmet she was wearing, then smiled at me gratefully. I watched her lithely dismount the bike, and reach for the trigger nozzle on the hose, to start filling up the big tank behind the handlebars. With the high-pressure distribution system on the El-Diablo pump, I actually finished topping up the Valkyrie before her, and as I put the hose back I could smell the distinct sweet aroma of high octane fuel. I strode around to go and pay in the shop, smiling at Rebecca as I walked past her bike. The bell gave a jaunty ring as I pushed open the door, and Hank looked up from the back of the store, where he was busy restocking shelves with cans of engine oil.

"Jake! It's great to see you," he exclaimed with delight.

I was going to tip my hat to him, but realised I'd left it in the cab, so I settled for a smile instead. Hank and I were old buddies. We'd gone to school together back in the day, then when I'd returned to Charon IV, I'd helped him settle some awkward business with a local protection racket.

"Can't stop and chat today, Hank," I told him with a regretful smile. "I'm out on the road again."

"You should come by when you can," he said eagerly. "Gloria keeps telling me to invite you over."

I laughed and said, "I still can't believe you landed a woman like that." I leaned in, and asked conspiratorially, "Has the cooking got any better?"

He shook his head, and said with a chuckle, "Nope, I'm still a disaster in the kitchen. Gloria's on the verge of banning me outright."

I reached for my credit stick, and said, "My usual, plus the bike on number three."

Hank looked up in surprise, and glanced over at the pump where Rebecca had just finished filling up. He grinned as he waved at her, and she smiled back, giving him a cheery wave in return.

"You know her?" I asked, startled.

Hank nodded, giving me a funny look for a moment, before his face smoothed out into a warm smile. "Yeah, she stops by for gas every now and then," he replied by way of explanation.

"I still can't believe Jess Beaumont's got a daughter," I said, shaking my head in bewilderment. "She looks just like her, doesn't she?"

"That she does," Hank replied, while nodding sagely, and giving me a sideways look. His eyes darted to the till, and he added, "That'll be four-fifty please, Jake."

I pressed my thumb on the credit stick to check my funds. It confirmed my ID with a soft chime, then displayed in a clear green font, "Available balance: 12345 credits."

Frowning, I was forced to admit Katie was probably right. I was getting a little low on cash, and probably should have accepted that reward money from the folks at Shady Creek. Still, I had enough to keep me going, and seeing the looks of gratitude on their faces had been worth every credit. Swiping the stick across the till, it made a high pitched beep as it subtracted the charge from my account.

"Cheers, Hank," I told him. "Tell Gloria I'll be round as soon as I can."

"Stay safe, Jake," he said to me with a smile, and waved me goodbye.

I strolled out of the store and pressed the button on my remote to open the door to the Valkyrie. "You all good?" I asked Rebecca as I walked briskly past her bike.

She nodded, and said, "Yep, all ready."

"Watch out for my comm broadcast," I called out to her as I climbed into the cab. "We need to sync-up."

I activated the dash with my right thumb, and once the holographic comm interface had appeared, I sent out a point-blank proximity squawk. Rebecca answered it a couple of seconds later, and I locked in her frequency to the comm interface. A close up of her face taken from the cameras in her helmet appeared, floating like a ghostly disembodied head above the dashboard. Fortunately this ghost was pleasant to look at.

"This is Rebecca, checking in," she said, darting a look at the camera with her bright green eyes.

I fired up the engine on the Valkyrie, and smiled at her reassuringly as I said, "This is Jake. Ok, you take point, but you see any sign of danger, pull right back and let me lead."

"Alright, let's roll out," she said to me firmly in a gruff faux-baritone.

I laughed, and said, "That's my line isn't it?"

She winked, and revved up the bike, pulling away quick and smooth. Still chuckling to myself, I powered up the Valkyrie to the accompanying bass rumble of the massive engine, then eased my foot down on the accelerator, and left the forecourt.

It didn't take us long to leave town, as we were already near the outskirts. We had a brief drive through the small stretch of suburbs first, passing well cared for homes, complete with picket fences. I'd always aspired to live in one of these nice, residential, five bedroom houses as a kid, having grown up out in the sticks. Still, if I hadn't been so bored out on the farm, I never would have taken to helping my Uncle Lenny turn that old pickup truck into a hot-rod. When he'd been killed by raiders, I found out he'd left the pick-up to me, and the rest was history.

Rebecca took the turn for Route Forty-Three, and I followed after her, keeping pace with her bike. The double lane highway was pretty clear at this time of day, and I put my foot down, pushing up to sixty, and drawing alongside her. She flashed a grin at me and opened up the throttle on her bike, racing away and leaving me in her dust. I was in half a mind to show her what the Valkyrie could do, but I quickly remembered I had the trailer on the back, with Katie sequestered inside. She was already in a bad enough mood with me already, and I decided quite wisely not to push my luck.

The bike was a small speck in the distance, but it got gradually larger as Rebecca dawdled along, letting me catch up. Her holograph was smiling at me smugly, but as she crested a hill, her expression changed abruptly, her eyes widening in alarm.

"What is it?" I asked her brusquely. "Get back here if there's any trouble."

"Raiders," she explained, glancing up at the camera. "They hit some convoy, but looks like they're long gone."

As I drove up the hill, I could see wispy trails of grey smoke marring the otherwise beautiful blue sky. Then when I reached the peak, and looked out into the valley beyond, I saw what had panicked Rebecca. She was right, a convoy had been hit by raiders, and it was the work of a well armed group judging by the devastation on the road ahead. They'd wrecked the mercs on escort duty first, then started picking off the civilians in the convoy. A few of them had been destroyed, but there was a cluster of vehicles a few miles up ahead, where the raiders had run the remnants of the convoy off the road.

Rebecca had stopped up ahead, and as I overtook her, I said to my lovely companion, "Let me take point, there might be an ambush set for anyone looking for survivors."

She nodded obediently, starting up the bike, and following after me, and I drove closer to the forlorn looking convoy. Half the vehicles sported weapon damage of some kind or the other, and one large freight-hauler had been set on fire, leaving it a burned-out charred ruin. As we approached, I started to see what looked like bodies strewn around, and I clenched my teeth in anger.

Pulling up a safe distance from the wrecks, I carefully opened the door to the Valkyrie, keeping my eyes peeled for an ambush. I thought about asking Katie to come, but it made more sense for her to stay back at the trailer. At least that's what I told myself, and it definitely wasn't because I was trying to avoid antagonising her at the moment. The last thing I needed was to have to deal with her legendary temper right now.

Rebecca jogged up to my side, carrying a ferocious looking sub-machine gun. She certainly looked like she knew how to use it, holding it with practiced familiarity.

"Take cover if you see anything suspicious," I told her, taking a cautionary tone.

She gave me a brave smile, but I could tell she was nervous, as she replied, "I'll just follow your lead."

I walked ahead carefully, eyes darting from side-to-side, watching for the slightest hint of movement. It was still breezy out here on the plains, and a tumbleweed rolled past, drawing my eyes with its haphazard motion, a slave to the whim of the wind. Other than that, and the occasional flap of a curtain in a shot-up mobile home, the convoy was quiet as the grave.

One look was all it took to confirm that I'd been right with my first glance. There were bodies strewn about, most of which had been shot, but a few had met far grimmer ends. The corpses were of men, children and the elderly, which left one group conspicuously absent. I spotted drag marks in the dirt leading over to a small mound, and I felt a leaden feeling in my chest as I walked in that direction.

Turning to look at Rebecca, I asked, "Can you take a quick look around the vehicles, just to check there aren't any survivors hiding inside?"

She looked up at me, eyes-wide, and nodded slowly, before turning and making her way over to one of the nearby trucks. I watched to make sure she was safe, then continued following the trail over the mound. It led to a gulley on the other side, where I found the missing group from the convoy, the women. I felt bile rising in my throat, and looked away quickly, thankful that I'd sent Rebecca off to the trucks so she hadn't seen this. Squaring my shoulders, I turned on my heel, and walked back towards the wrecked vehicles.

We searched for survivors, calling out as well in case anyone had managed to run into the scrubland beyond and hide. Only the whistling wind answered our cries, and after fifteen minutes of searching, I knew it was hopeless. We walked back to our vehicles in silence, subdued by what we'd seen, and I could see how worried Rebecca was, when she stopped and glanced back at the ravaged convoy.

Reaching out, I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and said firmly, "Don't worry. I'll make them pay for what they did here."

She turned to look up at me, then surprised me as she stepped in for a hug. I stroked her back soothingly as she trembled in my arms, and asked, "How could anyone do something like that?"

"Some people just turn out wrong," I answered her awkwardly. "Then they head out to the Badlands, and that makes them ten times worse. There's no reasoning with monsters like that, they just do whatever they're strong enough to get away with. You just have to make sure you're strong enough to stop them."

She stared up into my eyes, and asked, "Is that why you do what you do? Because you're strong enough to stop them?"

I lost focus on Rebecca as there was a flash of red, followed by horrific screams and dreadful wailing that sent shivers down my spine. I shook my head quickly, to clear away the disturbing visions.

"Yeah, that's right," I lied convincingly, hating myself for doing it, but not wanting to see a look of recrimination in those lovely green eyes.

She nodded, letting out a heavy sigh, and said, "We better get back to my Mom."

I released her from my arms, and watched her walk to the bike, mounting it gracefully and starting the engine. Opening up the door to the Valkyrie, the glossy red "17" caught the bright sunlight, making me blink for a moment as it dazzled my eyes. I stepped inside the cab, and swung the door shut behind me with a solid clunk. Firing up the dash, I brought up the comm interface again, seeing Rebecca's pretty face appear in a hologram.

"Let's get moving," I told her gently. "I'll reach out to Sheriff Winters, and let him know what happened."

Rebecca nodded, then eased ahead on her bike, but I noticed she was careful not to get too far ahead this time. I cycled through the list of local contacts until I found the comm channel for the Sherriff's station, and swiped across the name to make the call. It rang unanswered for a couple of minutes, which left me with a dark sense of foreboding.

"We should check in at the Sheriff's Station," I said to Rebecca, trying to conceal my worry. "They're not responding at the moment, so they might have a busted transmitter. I keep telling Geoff to just buy a new one."

"I'll call Mom, and let her know we're nearly home, just taking a slight detour," she replied, and I could tell by her sombre expression that she hadn't believed my lame reassurances.

Rebecca's holo-image above the dashboard winked out while she made her call, and I pulled up alongside her while she was distracted. The road ran ahead in a long straight line, with sparse dry plains to either side, stretching away for miles. It was desolate terrain, and a large swathe of Charon IV's single huge continent was like this, populated with wild and dangerous frontier towns. If you had decent irrigation systems, these dusty plains could be turned into well cultivated fields, as was the case in the more civilised south. The opposite end of the spectrum was the horrible wasteland to the north, known locally as "The Badlands."

Charon IV was located near the border with Trankaran Space, and had been partially terraformed by the Terran Federation. Unfortunately, funding had run out when the Terrans had desperately fought off a Kirrix invasion, leaving Charon IV half-finished. When it became obvious no further funding was going to be forthcoming, the settlers had moved in, taking advantage of the low cost of land on this less than hospitable planet.

"I told her we'll be a couple of hours at most," Rebecca said, her holographic image reappearing above the dashboard, and shaking me from my reverie.

I nodded, saying amiably, "Yeah, we won't be too long. We'll just check in with the Sheriff first."

We rolled on up Route Forty Three, until the big green sign informing us to take the next turn for Drift City, came quickly into view. I glanced at Rebecca's hologram and she met my gaze, saying agreeably, "Yeah I know, take the turn. Sheriff's Station is ten miles down on the left."

We slowed down to take the turn, and joined Route Thirty Nine, heading towards the biggest town in the district. Despite its name, Drift City couldn't really be described as a major metropolis. The town was nice, definitely an up and coming place, but the population only numbered in the low thousands. Still, the Sheriff's Station was just outside the suburbs, which helped keep the crime rate down, and that was always good for business.

Cruising along the dust beaten tarmac, we quickly chewed up the miles, heading up to the valley that cradled the fast-growing town. A thick column of greasy black smoke came into view some distance off to the left, and Rebecca shot me a worried look.

"Yeah, that's coming from the Sheriff's Station," I confirmed for her grimly. "Hang back, and let me take point. If things get really nasty, you high-tail it out of here, and get back to your Mom."

She gave me a quick nod, easing back on the throttle and tucking in behind me as I rumbled onwards. I pressed a button on the dash, bringing up the tactical grid and HUD on the windscreen. Bob had done me proud, fully restocking the Vulcans, and the ammo counters for both read "1000 AP - 20mm caseless." Yeah, it was overkill for pretty much everything I'd encountered here on Charon IV, but no-one ever accused me of being subtle.

The turn for the Sheriff's Station was clearly marked with a big sign declaring in clear yellow lettering, "Patoma District, Sheriff Station." However, the black scorpion tail that someone had graffitied over it, along with the bullet holes punched through the sign, left little doubt as to why my call had remained unanswered.

We passed two wrecked police cruisers as we approached, hit by a broad mix of rounds that had chewed through their relatively light armour plating. To my expert eye, the telltale holes from fifty calibre machine guns were a dead giveaway, as well as hits from something nasty, perhaps an Autocannon.

The Sheriff's station soon came into view after we'd driven a half-mile down the road, and we braked sharply, coming to a halt. The oily smoke was billowing up from the back of the walled compound, probably from their generator, and the sturdy gates had been blown clean off their hinges. White stucco reinforced walls surrounded the Sheriff's station, and although they were weather beaten, they were normally kept scrubbed spotlessly clean by the deputies. Now they were adorned with blackened and scorched bodies, which had been nailed to the wall, then incinerated with a flame thrower.

"Those poor bastards," I muttered under my breath, recognising the remains of the brown and grey deputy uniforms on the corpses.

Rebecca looked appalled, her shocked face having turned white upon seeing the horrific fate of the friendly and helpful Patoma deputies. I wanted to get out of the Valkyrie and comfort her, but after seeing this, I knew we couldn't waste any time.

"Rebecca," I said sharply, startling her with my tone, before she turned her sorrowful green eyes to look up at the helmet camera. "We need to get back to your Mom."

Her mouth set in a grim line, her expression hardening as she nodded that she understood. As I brought the Valkyrie and trailer around in a sweeping turn, she revved her bike and skidded around sharply, kicking up dust and debris from the solid rear tyre as it spun on the dirt. We drove back along Route Thirty Nine in silence, both of us lost in our thoughts.

As we neared the turn to take us back onto Route Forty Three, a trailerless truck came tearing onto the road with a hideous screech of tyres. He'd taken the turning far too fast, and the right wheels lifted off the ground a few inches, before the driver slewed the truck back the other way, righting it with a loud crunch. He weaved all over the road, until he finally got his rig back under control, and opened up the engine with a throaty roar, speeding down the highway.

I quickly swiped the comm interface, seeing the truck appearing on the list of contacts. "This is Titanium Jake, you alright there, friend?" I hailed him with concern.

The truck roared past us, heading straight for Drift City, and clearly in no mind to stop for anyone. I watched him disappear in my rear-view mirrors, and spotted numerous bullet holes stitched across the back of his cab. Giving up on getting a response, we took the turn onto Route Forty Three, and a moment later the terrified face of a trucker appeared above the dashboard.

"Raiders nearly got me, Jake!" the trembling bearded man replied fearfully. "I had to dump my cargo, or they would have taken me out for sure!"

"Where?" I asked him curtly.

"C-c-couple of miles east of the junction," he stammered, clearly scared out of his wits. "I was m-m-making for the Sheriff."

"No don't go there, head straight for Drift City," I ordered him firmly. "They hit the Sheriff and his boys a few hours ago."

The trucker's face was ashen as he swore vehemently with a colourful display of inventive expletives. When he'd calmed down a little, he gasped, "There was so many of them, Jake. They tore through my guards like they weren't even there."

"How many?" I asked, while glancing in my mirrors to check the raiders weren't after us now instead.

His frightened eyes stared out at me from the holograph above the dash, as he said, "At least two-dozen, on a mix of trikes and bikes. I've never seen anything like it!"

I let out a deep breath, then said with a firm, authoritative voice, "Get to Drift City, and assemble the militia. It sounds like a major raid from the Badlands, and you'll need every man and machine you can muster to hold them off the town."

The trucker nodded hurriedly, and waved goodbye to the cam, too scared to speak. I closed off the call, then looked over at Rebecca who was staring at me, her expression revealing how deeply worried she was.

"Don't worry," I said to her soothingly. "We'll pick up Jessica, and bring her back to Drift City, you'll both be safe there. How much further is it to her truckstop?"

After a quick glance at her HUD map, she replied, "Eighteen miles. It's set back a little from the freeway."

"Alright, let's go," I said firmly, putting my foot down, and watching the line on the speedometer dial push up to eighty miles-per-hour.

Rebecca easily matched my speed on her bike, and we tore along Route Forty-Three eating up the miles in no time. A bright blue sign eventually appeared out of the heat haze, looking in great condition compared to the weather-beaten appearance of the rest of this district's freeway signs. As we drew closer I could make out the writing, and in tall, sharp white lettering it stated:

"Valhalla welcomes you!

Take the next left,

2 miles to the Warrior Hall!"

I raised an eyebrow at the name, and grinned appreciatively. With a name like that, it sounded like my kind of place! I could feel Rebecca's eyes on me, and I glanced at her holograph above the dashboard, to see her studying me intently.

"Nearly there," she said quietly.

We slowed right down to take the turn for Valhalla, with the rumbling tread of our tyres drumming a steady rhythmic beat on the worn asphalt of Route Forty-Three. This far out on the highway, the roads were decrepit and crumbling, not seeing much in the way of maintenance or repair. By contrast, the pristine, carefully maintained private road that led to Valhalla, was a spotless stretch of glossy black tarmac. The moment the Valkyrie's huge wheels crossed over onto this piece of glistening perfection, the noise from the tyres vanished, letting us ghost along silently.

I blinked in surprise at the feel of such a quality road under my Valkyrie. I hadn't experienced a flawless bit of street like this since my time on the Game worlds, and my mind started to drift back to the shining cities that hosted the Asphalt Arena. I didn't get long to reminisce, because the truckstop came into view, and I let out a low whistle as I got my first look at the place.

Valhalla was more like a fortress than a truckstop, surrounded as it was by sturdy looking walls that towered above the plain by a good twenty feet. The walls were made of a spotless shiny grey metal, edged in gold, and the whole place gleamed like a shining beacon in the burning Charon IV sunshine. The walls ended in robust looking towers at the corners, and I spotted what looked like twin Gatling Laser turrets atop each tower.

"How the hell did Jessica Beaumont afford a place like this?!" I muttered to myself under my breath.

I looked across the dash at Rebecca's holographic image, worried that she might have overheard me. By the curious look on her face it seemed she might well have done, but had decided not to comment, which came as a quite a relief. Katie would probably be over her fiery mood by now, but I didn't want to trade an angry, ebony-hued beauty for a furious young brunette instead.

Rebecca pulled ahead of me, leading me through the open gates, then took a sharp left to avoid the towering wall directly ahead. It was a tight fit for the Valkyrie with the trailer attached, but I just managed to make the turn without scraping the pristine, reinforced armour plating. I nodded approvingly at the safety wall, but wondered for a moment how trucks could possibly make such a tight turn. My question was answered a moment later, as we took a right into the truckstop, and I saw another broad gate in the sidewall that was currently securely closed.

Valhalla seemed busy, and I counted five trucks parked up, accompanied by a handful of armoured mercenary vehicles, along with an assortment of civilian cars in the lot. There was a big two-storey main building, and two smaller outbuildings, all constructed from the same gleaming metal as the walls. I brought the Valkyrie to a rumbling halt, with Rebecca drawing her bike alongside, and we shut off our engines at the same time.

Opening the door to my car, I stepped outside, then put my hand on the glossy red number seventeen, and shut it firmly behind me with a solid sounding click. Turning to look for Rebecca, I heard running footsteps, and saw the young woman dashing over to the big building in the centre of Valhalla. I just made out another brunette who opened her arms, hugging the leather clad girl in a warm embrace.

Rebecca was having a furtive, whispered conversation with the other woman as they stood close to each other, and I smiled as I guessed who the hugger was. Letting them have a moment together, I walked over to the trailer, placing my right hand on the DNA reader to open up the door. It scanned from right to left, the green beam identifying me with a soft beep. The hydraulic bolts pulled back, releasing the door from the locking mechanism, and letting me pull it open. I saw that the bedroom door was still closed, but chancing my arm, I walked along quietly and opened it carefully. Katie was resting peacefully on the bed, probably still tired from all her exertion yesterday.

I decided not to disturb her, and closed the door again with a soft click, then walked back through the trailer to the door. Descending the steps, I swung the door closed, hearing it lock up tight behind me, then turned to look for Rebecca and her mother. Rebecca was back on her bike, and she pulled away, heading towards one of the outbuildings. That left Jessica standing outside the main building, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw her again. She had always been a beautiful woman, and twenty years on she was still just as stunning as ever.

She'd been my girlfriend when I left Charon IV, and had leapt at the chance to accompany me to the Gameworlds. We'd always been great together, and it was tragic that it hadn't worked out between us. I frowned, trying to remember exactly why we'd broken up, but my memory tended to get a bit fuzzy on a few things now and then. Still, the past was the past, and there was no point dwelling in it. I strode over to greet her, with a cheerful grin on my face. It wasn't faked, I was genuinely overjoyed to see her again.

"Jessie!" I called out to her in delight, and she gave me a soft smile as I reached her.

Sweeping her up in a hug, I held her tightly, and said enthusiastically, "You haven't aged a day! You still look as gorgeous as ever!"

She laughed in surprise, then hugged me back fiercely, before looking up at me to study my face with her caring blue eyes. "You look good too, Jake," she said in her rich, clear voice, and reached up to stroke my face tenderly. "You seem happier, more at peace."

I looked at her in confusion for a moment, as I seemed to remember us being young, happy and in love while we were together, but that was decades ago. I shrugged, and joked, "Perhaps it's all that Karma from my many good deeds."

Jessica looked thoughtful, and nodded, murmuring, "Maybe so..."

My memory might not be that great, but I hadn't forgotten the threats she'd received from the Skorpions. I released her from my arms, and pulled the crumpled bit of paper from my pocket.

"Rebecca gave me this and told me you were in trouble," I said, before I paused, and shook my head in amazement. "I can't believe you have a daughter, Jess. She's a wonderful girl, you should be very proud of her."

Jessica's face crumpled, and she looked to be on the verge of tears. She hugged herself tightly, then swallowed, before she said in a voice thick with emotion, "You should come inside, I'll get you a drink."

She turned away, and walked back into the main building without another word, leaving me in stunned silence, reeling from her abrupt change of mood. I gathered my wits, and walked in after her, pushing the door wide open so I could follow her inside. There was a short corridor that led into a bar, which was set up like a Nordic mead hall, sticking firmly to the spirit of the Valhalla name. I was about to follow after her, when I noticed a young boy, probably about eight or so, staring wistfully at a vending machine serving snacks.

I smiled at him, and said, "Hey kid, what're you after?"

He turned to look at me, his eyes going wide when he saw my face, and he gasped, "Wow! You look just like Titanium Jake!"

I chuckled, and said, "Yeah, because that's my name." I glanced at the vending machine, and asked, "Tell me what you want, I'm buying."

His face lit up in a broad grin, and he pointed to the big bag of blue potato crisps emblazoned with a picture of my Valkyrie. I looked at it in surprise, amazed that some of my old merchandise would still be around, and here of all places.

I frowned and said, "Those crisps must be pretty old, kid. Want to pick something else?"

"They're fresh," Jessica said quietly, and I looked to my right in surprise, to see she had stopped and was watching us with a sad smile.

Shrugging, I pulled the credit-stick from my jacket, pressing my thumb to the device to check how much funds I had left. I had a feeling they must be getting pretty low, and I could hardly charge Jess for this rescue. The sharp green text reported, "Available balance: 12345 credits."

That explained why Katie was pissed. She never liked me turning down payment for a job, but I couldn't help myself sometimes, it seemed wrong to charge folks when they were in danger. Still, I had enough to keep me going for the moment, and there was always a new promising job on the horizon. I swiped my credit-stick across the payment panel on the vending machine to the sound of a ringing beep, and the boy tapped in his selection. The bag of crisps with the Valkyrie on it dropped into the tray, and a mechanical arm retrieved it smoothly, then handed it over to him.

"Thanks Jake!" he exclaimed, looking up at me in wonder.

I smiled at him, and gave him a wink, as I said, "You're welcome kid. Stay out of trouble!"

He grinned at me in delight, then scampered off to join a group of children sitting at a table in the hall, where they began to chatter animatedly.

"Come on, let's go out back where we can talk," Jessica said with a tender smile.

She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently, and led me through the mead hall, complete with Viking shields on the walls. I followed along beside her, enjoying the feel of her delicate, slender hand in mine, as she took me through a sturdy door marked "Private" in gold lettering on a black name plate. We walked up some stairs and into a spacious open-plan living area, with comfortable looking sofas dotted around the lounge.

"Take a seat, I'll fix you a drink," she said, as she walked over to the kitchen.

I smiled at her gratefully, and said, "Just a soft drink, thanks. Something tells me booze would be a bad idea right now."

Jessica nodded, and I flopped down in a chair, resisting the urge to put my booted feet up on the coffee table. She joined me a few moments later, with a chilled can of Tetra-cola in hand. I gave her an affectionate smile; this woman knew me so well, even after all these years. I pressed my hand to the lid, opening it up with a hissing fizz, and chugged down the can, sighing happily after downing the refreshingly cool drink. I was about to put the can down on the coffee table, before I noticed a picture of myself standing by the Valkyrie on the side of the can.

"Amazing... that can must be twenty years old, but it still tasted fresh as a daisy," I marvelled.

Jessica shook her head, and smiling at me fondly looked like she was going to say something, but she held back at the last moment. Instead she got up, and took the can from my hand as she walked back to the kitchen. "I heard you've been keeping busy," she said to me conversationally over her shoulder.

I smiled at her, admiring her fine figure as she glided away, and said, "Yeah, can't keep clear of trouble, but a man's got to earn a living."

She dropped the can in the recycler, and was about to say something, but quickly changed her mind. Looking thoughtful, she paused before she said, "I heard you've wiped out five Skorpion raiding packs in the last two months. Shady Creek was the last one, right?"

I scratched my head, trying to recall my last few jobs. Truth be told, my memory wasn't that great as I'd been getting older, but I did remember Shady Creek. Katie sure had my back on that one, and between us, we'd put down those rabid dogs, and saved the townsfolk from a grim end.

"Yeah, that's right," I replied hesitantly, at least answering her question honestly.

Jessica sighed, and said, "I think you might've stirred up a hornet's nest. From what I've heard, most of the Badlands gangs have consolidated under someone called 'Black Stillers', and they're gunning for you. That's what that note on the brick was about."

I frowned, and asked, "Why would they come to you to draw me out? Is it because we knew each other back in the day?"

She gave me a wistful smile, and said, "Yeah, that's probably it."

"I'm sorry you got caught up in all this," I told her ruefully. "I had no idea this was going to happen; I've just been trying to protect people."

She knelt down at the side of my chair, and she reached out to brush her fingers through my hair. "I know you have, Jake," she said gently.

I looked into her sparkling blue eyes in amazement, surprised but pleased at her being so affectionate. Not for the first time, I wondered why I'd let such a lovely woman get away.

"Are you still having the nightmares?" she asked me tenderly, watching my face with her sharp, perceptive gaze.

I shook my head firmly, but at their mention, there was a sudden flashback of red, screams, crying, pain...

Leaning back I squeezed my eyes shut, and drew in a big lungful of air, while shaking my head to clear my mind. I stood up abruptly, and said, "It's been amazing to see you again, Jess, and I've loved chatting to you, but we don't have time for this right now. We need to evacuate you and your clientele, and get you to Drift City where the Militia can protect you."

She shook her head, and said, "I don't think it's a good idea to leave Valhalla. There's too many gangers out on the road, and we'd never make it back safely, not with all these people in tow."

I paced nervously, trying to think of another plan, and happened to glance out the window as I turned. It was getting gloomy outside, dusk having arrived already, and on Charron IV, that meant the pitch black of night was only minutes away.

An intercom chimed, and Jessica rose gracefully to her feet, then walked over to the console in the corner of the room. When she accepted the incoming call, Rebecca's light soprano filled the room, "Mom, Jake, I'm picking up lots of approaching vehicles on the sensors. I think the Skorpions have arrived."

"Come up to the lounge, Becca," Jessica ordered in a no-nonsense tone of voice.

"On my way!" her daughter replied cheerfully, before she closed the call.

I looked Jessica's way, filled with remorse at having got her tangled up in all this. "Looks like you were right, there's no way to escape now," I said apologetically.

She smiled at me, and said, "I'm like you, I never did like running from trouble."

She walked over to me, then gave me a hug, and I wrapped her in my arms. I was trying to be reassuring, but I was deeply worried about keeping both Jessica and her daughter safe. We stood like that for a while, drawing strength from one another, until a polite cough made me turn to look to our side. Rebecca was watching us with an unreadable expression on her face, and I gazed at her for a moment, trying to make sense of that enigmatic half-smile. I stepped back from her mother feeling guilty, and smiled at her apprehensively, but she didn't seem to be mad at me.

A beep on the console came as quite a relief, interrupting the awkward moment, and Jess turned to press a button and accept the incoming call. As the call came through, she pressed more buttons on the console, bringing up a tactical map of the nearby locale.

A discordant, metallic voice sounded over the comm channel, saying, "That fucker better be in there, or we're coming for you and your daughter. Send Titanium Jake out in two minutes, or my Skorpions are gonna burn this place to the ground."

Black Stillers closed the comm channel before any of us could reply. I turned to look at Jessica and Rebecca, scowling as I muttered, "I hate cyborgs. Bunch of crazy bastards."

I glanced down at my solid Titanium left hand, then gave them both a wry grin. Rebecca giggled, while Jessica laughed light-heartedly. It felt good to lift the mood, and I chuckled along with them.

Jessica looked me in the eye, and said, "It looks like he wants a shot at the title, Champ. You're not going to just roll over and let him take the Asphalt Arena cup are you?"

I felt my pulse quicken, and shook my head, giving her an eager grin. "No fucking way!" I replied with gusto.

Jess turned to Rebecca, and said urgently, "Show Jake to the tunnel, and link up the Valkyrie to the external cams and speakers."

"You got it, Mom!" she agreed, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

She turned and beckoned me to follow, before darting back down the stairs, and disappearing out of sight. I went after her, taking the steps two at a time, before running through the mead hall to the astonishment of the worried looking truckers, mercs, and civilians gathered there. Rebecca took a sharp left as we burst out the door, and started sprinting for one of the outbuildings.

"Where are you off to?" I asked her retreating form.

She turned her head slightly, calling back over her shoulder, "Get the Valkyrie and follow me!"

I ran over to the trailer first, opening the door and bursting inside. Katie was wide awake now, and she gave me an eager grin, letting me know all was forgiven.

"Fancy being my co-pilot?" I asked her with a smile, and the look she gave me, left me in no doubt.

We rushed out of the trailer into the dusky twilight, and while running over to the Valkyrie, I quickly pressed the button on the remote in my jacket. The door popped open an inch, the gleaming red seventeen on the door catching the lights from Valhalla, and making the glossy paintwork shine. Katie got in first, buckling into the passenger's seat, and waiting for me with eager anticipation. I settled into my driver's seat, buckled myself in, and slapped my hand on the dash. The HUD burst into life, showing me the engine stats and weapon loadouts, which I checked with a quick glance.

The Valkyrie's engine throbbed as it came to life, and I revved the engine eagerly. Pressing a button to disengage the trailer, I pulled away, heading in the same direction Rebecca had run. She was standing by one of the outbuildings, and as I drove closer, I could see the right hand side of the building was a garage of some kind. She skipped backwards, gesturing for me to follow, and trusting her I did so, although I was confused why she wanted me to park in this garage.

She raised her hand in a stopping gesture, and I pressed my foot down on the brake, bringing the Valkyrie to a halt. Suddenly there was a loud rusty shriek, and I started in surprise as the Valkyrie started to sink downwards. I realised I must be on some kind of hydraulic lift, and looked at Rebecca, as she squatted down to watch me through the windscreen as I descend lower. She gave me a lovely smile, and said something, but with the squealing cacophony from the lowering platform, I couldn't hear a word. I was never that great at lip-reading, but it looked like she said, "I love you mad."

I grinned at her, figuring she must have watched some of my old arena footage. Admittedly, I did have quite the furious temper back in the old days, along with a fierce hunger to win. Yeah, getting mad about now might be a good idea.

I sank below ground, disappearing into pitch darkness. I had night vision amplification on the Valkyrie, built right into the windscreen, so I wasn't bothered about the lack of light. All of a sudden, overhead lighting flickered on, dimly illuminating the tunnel, and I saw it led out in a gently curving bend. I gently pushed down on the accelerator, creeping forward quietly, the electric plant on the Valkyrie letting me move almost without a sound.

The holographic image of Rebecca's face appeared above the dashboard, wearing her helmet once again. She grinned at me, as she said, "I did as Mom asked, and connected the Valkyrie to the external cameras and speakers."

"Thanks, Rebecca," I said gratefully, and reached over to press a couple of buttons on the dashboard.

A holographic panel appeared on my left, showing the Skorpions arrayed outside Valhalla, cleverly hanging back just outside the range of the Gatling Lasers. They were obviously going for a show of force, because they were all lined up in one massive long line of raiders, out in front of the tightly sealed front gates. I couldn't believe how many of them there were: loads of bikes, trikes, a couple of reinforced half-tracks, half a dozen armoured trucks, and the bastards had even stolen one of Patoma's police cruisers. The Skorpion's pride and joy was obviously the huge big-rig in the centre, which was covered in spikes and skulls, and sported a couple of turrets toting Autocannons on the back.

It was an intimidating sight, and I must admit I got a bit nervous. Not for myself of course, but there were at least a couple of dozen people depending on me to keep them safe, including Jess and Rebecca. Approaching the end of the underground passage, I noticed a set of racing lights across the ceiling, illuminating this end of the tunnel in an ominous scarlet glow. The tunnel ended in a ramp leading upwards, and everything felt very familiar, obviously set up to mimic the way duellists had entered the Asphalt Arenas.

Black Stillers' metallic voice rang out, echoing from the tinny speakers built into the big-rig, as he yelled, "You've got ten seconds you spineless fuck!"

Suddenly a pounding set of power chords boomed out into the night sky, making the Valkyrie tremble as the sound was pumped into the cab. I felt a shiver down my spine, having not heard those notes for over twenty years. Sure enough, my title track started to play, and the hairs stood up on the back of my neck, as adrenalin coursed through my body. Over the throbbing bass, Jessica's voice boomed out, massively amplified by the mighty sound system built into Valhalla.

"He's won the Asphalt Arena a record breaking ten consecutive times..."

I listened spellbound, as she took me right back to those days in the Arena. That crazy thrill as I waited for the mayhem to commence, and that pumping drive to grind my opponent into the dirt.

"Never defeated, a legend in our own time..."

I glanced at the cam-feed, and grinned as I looked at my opponents. The Gameworlds must be running some crazy deathmatch tonight, as there were dozens of them out there. Still, I loved a Battle Royale like this, as it really drew in the crowds, and gave me a chance to prove who was the greatest in front of millions of adoring fans.

"The Lord of Battle, who's left a trail of devastated challengers in his wake..."

I revved the engine hard, pushing my foot right down on the accelerator, and watched the rev counter spike up sharply. "VRRROOOOOOM, VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOM," The Valkyrie snarled, playing her part, just like she always had.

The Challengers were getting nervous, frantically glancing this way and that as they tried to find the source of the throaty roars. With us hooked up to Valhalla's audio system, the Valkyrie's furious bellow thundered out across the plains. I glanced over at Katie, and I could see by the sparkle in her eye that she was loving this just as much as I was.

"And tonight he brings the brutal slaughter of the Gameworlds right here to Charon IV..."

The lights above my head changed from red to amber, and I put my hand on the gear stick, getting ready to shift.

"Defending his title as Heavy-weight Champion, I give you... TITANIUM JAKE!!!"

The light flipped to green, and I shifted gears while stomping down on the accelerator. The Valkyrie screamed her battle-dirge as we charged forward, the insane thrust sinking me into my seat. We hit the ramp, and the hidden doors flung wide open, letting the Valkyrie launch into the air, in all her magnificent glory. We slammed to the ground, lined right up with the terrified raiders, and the second the crosshairs swept over their stupefied faces, I squeezed both triggers on the steering wheel.

The two Vulcan Machine Guns opened up, the barrels rotating at incredible speed, as they unloaded a relentless swarm of heavy calibre bullets. There were incendiary tracer rounds mixed in with the armour-piercing ammunition, and deadly orange streams tore through the pitch-black night sky. The Vulcans sounded like a pair of buzzsaws, and had a similar effect as they scythed through man and machine indiscriminately. I strafed my fire through the bikers, sending a shower of blood and mangled metal into the air as I literally cut them in half.

The targeting reticle swept over a trike next, and not taking my fingers off the triggers, I slashed twenty-millimetre armour-piercing rounds through the three wheeler. The shells pounded into the Skorpion vehicle, punching straight through the light armour plating, and setting it ablaze. I stopped shooting to let my barrels cool off, and grinned as I put my foot down, aiming straight for the stolen police cruiser. The diamond edged ram plate led the way, and I cleaved through the fuckers who'd been a part of the massacre at the Sheriff's Station.

The Valkyrie ploughed straight through them, and sent the two halves cartwheeling away, one of which flattened a stunned biker, who was paralyzed with fear. I raced away from the bloody swathe I'd just cut through their lines, but I wasn't done with them yet, not by a long shot. I yanked the wheel to the left, and pulled the handbrake, locking the rear wheels. The rear end of the Valkyrie slewed around, the huge wheels skidding through the dirt, and I tugged the wheel to the right, lining myself up with the Skorpions again. Flooring the accelerator, I sent a vast cloud of dust out behind me as the wheels tore through the ground, before kicking me forward in a lurching rush.

Heat levels on the Vulcans were looking good, so I opened up again, sending heavy rounds slamming into one of the half tracks. The armour on this ex-army surplus vehicle was much tougher than the trike's, but it still stood little chance against the magnesium tipped AP rounds I was carrying. My guns tore the half track a new one, and it suddenly exploded as one of the incendiary rounds ignited the ammo for the heavy flamethrower on the back. Burning Skorpion gangers leapt from the wrecked vehicle, but I left them to their fate, showing them the same mercy they'd given the Patoma deputies.

The raiders were starting to react, but they were sluggish to do so, still reeling from my sudden dramatic entrance. I aimed for the group of three trikes at the end of the line, and smashed through one after the other, the four-tonne Valkyrie ripping them apart like they were made of tissue paper. I heard the turreted Autocannons open up, and wanting no part of their heavy shells, I raced around the corner of Valhalla, putting its huge walls between me and the infuriated gangers.

"Head round to the truck door, I've opened it up for you!" Rebecca said to me from above the dashboard, an excited gleam in her holographic eyes.

I shook my head frantically, looking in my mirror, and confirming that I had bikes and trikes in hot pursuit. The pursuing bikes were fast, manoeuvrable machines, and I could see them gaining on me with every glance at the mirror.

"No way!" I snapped curtly, "I'm not putting you in danger!"

"Trust me," she urged, staring at me with those enchanting green eyes.

Gritting my teeth, I nodded once, before hurling the Valkyrie around the next corner, and onto the back straight. As soon as I finished the turn, I stabbed my right thumb on the red button on the steering wheel. A panel opened up at the back of the Valkyrie, and a charge went off, spraying viciously spiked caltrops in a wide arc over the dirt track behind me.

The unwitting bikers came flying around the corner, tilted low to the ground to take the turn at speed. Watching the rear-view mirror, I saw one of the bikes hit a caltrop square-on with its front wheel, shredding the tyre in a split-second. The wheel ploughed into the dirt, and the bike flipped into the air, spinning end over end until it crashed to the ground, instantly killing the rider.

I did another hard left, and spotted the open section of wall into Valhalla, which normally allowed huge trucks to enter the truckstop. I careened through the gap, then stuck to the inner circuit track, which looped around just inside the walls of Valhalla. The gang bikes screamed through the gap after me, the high pitched whines of their engines sounding like a banshee's wail.

They opened up with their fifty-cal machine guns, stitching bullet holes across the rear plating of the Valkyrie before I could make another turn and get clear. They were closing on me, making the turn a few seconds after I did, then opening up with another salvo of bullets. I yanked the wheel savagely to the left, taking another tight turn, and driving past the back of the outbuildings. As I was running parallel to the gap in the wall, I happened to glance to my left, from over on the other side of the compound. A group of four trikes steamed through the gap after me, and I swore profusely.

Suddenly a series of rippling explosions tore through the night, and the trikes were catapulted into the air, blown to pieces by the mines they'd just driven over. As flaming debris crashed to the ground in burning chunks, I realised that one of the girls had activated the minefield after the bikes had passed through. I wondered why they'd let the bikes in safely, as I hauled the Valkyrie through another left, and stole a quick look at the chasing gang bikes in my mirror. I spotted a brief flash of blue and white as I checked behind me, and all of a sudden it wasn't just the Valkyrie getting hit by fifty-cal rounds.

Rebecca was right on the Skorpion bikers' tail, and she cut the first guy to bits before the poor bastard even knew what hit him. The bikes all took a sharp left turn, following my predictable trail, and I watched the next two explode shortly afterwards, falling prey to Rebecca's deadly aim. The other two bikers realised what was happening, so they began to weave to make themselves harder targets. Getting pissed off with all this running shit, I slammed my foot on the brake, taking advantage of the distracted bikers, and I grinned as they crunched into the back of the Valkyrie. Well to be more specific, the bikes bounced off the thick armour plating, while the bikers sailed over my head, and slammed into the walls of Valhalla with a sickening crunch.

"You'd make one hell of a duellist!" I cheered at Rebecca with a wild grin.

She beamed back at me, looking deliriously happy, and flushed with the impetuousness of youth. "Thanks, Jake, but you're just incredible!" she gushed, her green eyes wide with excitement.

Our celebratory moment was cut short by the thump of Autocannons, and I watched in alarm as one of the turreted Gatling Lasers was blown apart in a fiery explosion. I saw I was being hailed, and guessing who it was from, I answered immediately. Jessica's beautiful face appeared next to her daughter's, as another glowing hologram floated above the dashboard.

She grimaced in anger as she blurted out, "Their Autocannons have longer range that the Gatling Lasers, I can't touch them!"

"I better go say hi then," I grinned, firing up the engine, and spinning the Valkyrie around to head towards the gap in the wall. "And turn off the minefield please."

"Be careful, Jake!" she gasped urgently, while deactivating the remaining mines. "Those Autocannons will chew you up!"

The Valkyrie stormed through the open gate, and I shrugged while glancing at Jessica's lovely face, and said, "Someone's got to stop them."

I drove straight out from the truckstop so I could get a bit of distance, then brought my car around in a sweeping curve so I could maintain some speed. It looked like we'd wiped out all the trikes, and only a trio of bikes remained to guard the big-rig, as well as one of the half-tracks. Unfortunately, the six armoured trucks were unscathed, and were just waiting for Valhalla's defences to go down before they attacked. A second explosion detonated above the other front tower, the Autocannons making short work of the last turreted laser weapon. As soon as the last turret was destroyed, the half-track start to rumble forward to put its heavy flamer to good use, now that the threat of the Gatling Lasers had been eliminated.

Although I could see the raiders as clear as day, through the light amplification of the Valkyrie's enhanced windscreen, it was black as pitch outside, and the Skorpions were blissfully unaware of my approach. I centred my crosshairs on the half-track, my eyes narrowing in anger, and the terrifying sound of buzzsaws ripped through the night air. The unrelenting stream of twenty-mil rounds savaged the half-track, driving big holes straight through it, and out the other side. The vehicle rolled to a stop, and I realised I must have killed the driver, but for good measure I aimed at the pintle-mounted heavy flamer, and blew it off the top of the half-track with a satisfying explosion.

As I drew closer, I saw that several of the armoured trucks sported Heavy Machine Guns on the back, and angry Skorpion gangers began to retaliate, my position partly given away by the tracer rounds I'd used. Long jagged streams of incoming fire lit up the night sky, and some of their bullets hit home, slamming into the front plating on the Valkyrie. I fired back, ripping the first of the trucks to pieces, the thick armour plating offering scant protection against the heavy calibre armour-piercing rounds I was using.

I caught the telltale smoke from some kind of launcher out of the corner of my eye, and I frantically slewed the Valkyrie to the side, as the heavy shell from a Recoilless Rifle streaked past. It slammed into the ground behind me, sending up a huge plume of dirt into the air, and rocking my vehicle with the aftershock of the explosion. My wild manoeuvres had the added benefit of sending the Autocannon shots from the big-rig flying harmlessly wide, saving me from experiencing the penetrating power of their deadly rounds firsthand.

Looking behind me, as I raced away into the comforting concealment of the Charon IV night, I spotted a second explosion coming from the sealed doors into Valhalla itself. There was obviously more than one Recoilless Rifle on the trucks, and they were now trying to blow the doors open, like they'd done to the Sheriff's Station. Fortunately, the three bikers had been distracted by all the explosions, and unsure where I'd gone in all the chaos, they decided to stick with the big-rig instead of giving chase.

I glanced across the dashboard at Jess, and said sharply, "You and Rebecca need to get somewhere safe. I don't think I'll be able to take out all the gang before they're through Valhalla's gates. Have you got a panic room you can get to?"

Jess shook her head, but she replied in a confident voice, "I've rallied the mercenaries that came in with the civilian truckers. They'll help fight any raiders that get though."

I gave her a grim nod, but I'd seen the mercenary vehicles on my way through Valhalla, and I knew they wouldn't last long against Heavy Machine Guns, let alone Recoilless Rifles. "Alright, but stay out of danger if you can. I'll do my best to thin the herd," I said to her by way of warning.

Turning the Valkyrie in a long looping curve to keep my speed up, I aimed straight at the marauding trucks that were attacking Valhalla. They were lit up by the repeated explosions from their recoilless rifle shells, as they pounded away at the sturdy, reinforced doors of the fortress. By the time I'd got into range again, I saw the huge gates buckle inwards under the weight of fire from incoming heavy explosives.

Swearing profusely, I yanked back both triggers for the Vulcans, the Valkyrie vibrating as both guns opened up. I ripped through the first two trucks, the twenty millimetre rounds punching big holes through the Skorpion armoured vehicles, and setting off sprays of sparks and small explosions as I tore them to pieces.

The last three trucks returned fire on me again with their Heavy Machine Guns, blasting worryingly large chunks out of my armour plating, as they drew a bead on my rapidly closing Valkyrie. They began to trundle forward, making for the blown open gates of Valhalla, and eager to cause mayhem and destruction inside. More importantly, I wouldn't be able to keep using these hit and run tactics on them once they were inside the tight confines of the truckstop.

My ammo was getting low, so I ignored the red symbols warning me that the Vulcans were overheating, and aimed at the next truck in line. I clamped down my fingers on the triggers, and that whirring, buzzing sound grated through the air as I unleashed a withering hail on the Skorpions. It cut the truck to bits, sawing it in half with a few hundred rounds sprayed along its length in a couple of seconds. I could see the barrels of my guns glowing red-hot with the heat, and one of them jammed with a grating squeal, making me flinch at the horrible sound.

I put my foot down on the accelerator, and saw my speed climb up to well over eighty before the Valkyrie smashed into the rear of one of the retreating trucks. There was a massive, jarring impact, which flung me about in my seat, but the Valkyrie was designed to take full-frontal impacts like this, and the Skorpion truck definitely wasn't. While I lost some speed as my diamond-edged ramp plate smashed into the back of the truck, the Skorpion vehicle flipped over, and crashed onto its side, spinning around with the colossal force of the impact. An explosion rocked the truck a moment later, blasting the wreck up into the air, and I guessed that the Recoilless Rifle shells hadn't appreciated being tossed about like that.

Unfortunately one truck managed to make it through the gates, and I grimaced as I saw it slowly take the turn, making it into the relative safety of Valhalla. Now it was inside the gates, it had gained a temporary reprieve from me and my Valkyrie. I snarled in anger, gritting my teeth in annoyance, as I raced past the big-rig and the three remaining bikers, getting ready to spend the last of my ammo on Black Stillers and his monstrous Skorpion command vehicle.

The tide of battle turned abruptly, as disaster suddenly struck. Both Autocannon turrets span in my direction, blazing away at me on full-auto, and one of them got in some lucky hits. The heavy calibre rounds tore into the side of the Valkyrie, blowing apart the right-rear tyre with a huge bang. I'd been pushing sixty when my car lurched out of control, and I hit the sloped front of one of the wrecked trikes, launching me into the air. The Valkyrie slowly rolled as I went airborne, tipping me over so I was upside down. I stared ahead of me in shock, and suddenly I was back -there- again.

***

I was chasing down Knox in the final match of the season; a title challenge in the Powerdrome for my tenth Asphalt Arena cup. The fight had mostly gone my way throughout, but I should have known something was up, by the suspicious way he was driving. In my thirst for a quick kill, I underestimated him, and threw caution to the wind as we went head-to-head. Barrelling down on him, Vulcan machineguns blazing, I savaged his already damaged armour plating with my armour piercing rounds. He veered to the side as my guns ripped his vehicle apart, eviscerating his engine and securing the win. Unfortunately, he'd been laying mines, and like a rookie, I ran right over his minefield.

The explosions flipped me through the air, and sent me soaring towards the unbreakable safety barrier. 'Unbreakable,' apparently didn't include stress testing the reinforced plating to check if it could withstand the impact of a four tonne vehicle, smashing into it head on at fifty miles-per-hour. My diamond-edged ramplate cleaved straight through the safety plating, and then...

***

The Valkyrie landed on its roof, sliding across the plain, and carved a deep, wide furrow through the dirt. We must have skidded for a good hundred yards before we ground to a halt, and I shook my head to clear the daze. I darted a frantic glance over at the passenger seat, and asked in alarm, "You OK, Katie?!"

She didn't answer, but she looked furious, and I gulped at seeing her enraged expression. I unclipped the buckles on our seats, and reached out a hand to help Katie from the Valkyrie, while hearing the thump of Autocannon rounds go sailing overhead. Katie's firm onyx body felt wonderful in my hands as I helped her up, and I glanced back at the big-rig which was slowly turning in our direction, the turrets sending heavy shells our way.

"You're fucking dead!" Black Stillers roared in triumph, bearing down on us inexorably, his voice blasting out of the speakers built into the big-rig.

***

Rebecca watched the cam footage through her helmet HUD with her heart in her mouth. She gasped in shock as she watched Jake's Valkyrie get flipped through the air before slamming into the ground, where it gouged a wide trench through the dirt. She saw the huge big-rig and remaining bikers turning in pursuit, so she kicked her bike into gear, and tore out of Valhalla to help him. When she saw Jake clamber out of his car, she breathed a sigh of relief, thanking the Gods of War that he was okay.

She kept checking the cam-feed as she rode out of Valhalla, and gaped in amazement when Jake suddenly hauled out the biggest, blackest, most terrifying looking hand-cannon she'd ever seen in her life. There was something written down the side of it in white, but on this camera resolution she could only make out the bigger, stylised first letters of each of the two words, "K..T........"

Staring with wide eyes, she watched as Jake stood there fearlessly, and pointed the huge weapon at the big-rig bearing down on him.

***

Miles overhead, in low orbit around Charon IV, the automated Frigate 'Mjolnir' fired its retro-thrusters to maintain its ever-vigilant watch over its owner. The hundred-meter-long spacecraft was coloured a bright blue, with white flashes down the side of its broad, blocky hull.

The targeting computer detected a firing solution, and it immediately began to retract the armoured plated panels that protected its hidden arsenal. The panels peeled right back, exposing the incredible firepower of the spacecraft, and the thirty-metre-long Beam Lasers throbbed as they surged with power. Zeroing in on the exact location painted by the Key-Targeting device, the computer aboard the Mjolnir opened fire. A blazing orange beam of incandescent energy lanced out, punching through the atmosphere, and burning a hole through the cloud cover as it seared into the planet's surface.

***

I aimed the red laser beam at the Skorpion's big-rig, keeping Katie's targeting laser firmly painted on the massive truck. I knew I only had to count to five before she'd unleash her apocalyptic fury on whatever poor bastard I was pointing her at. Sure enough, a brilliant column of energy blasted into the truck, incinerating the trailer and the hapless gangers firing the Autocannons.

The blinding orange beam throbbed for several seconds, vaporising everything it touched before it suddenly winked out, Katie's wrath evaporating as quickly as it had arrived. I placed her carefully on the ground next to the Valkyrie to have a rest, then pulled out the twins, as the last group of bikers drew closer. The Skorpion bikers had twisted in their seats, staring over their shoulders in utter disbelief at the melted crater in the ground where Black Stillers and the Big-rig used to be. I opened up with my heavy pistols, slamming high-calibre slugs into the first biker's torso, sending him tumbling off the back of the bike, to sprawl lifelessly on the ground.

The second biker turned just in time to be met with a fusillade of slugs, one of which hit him in the throat. His bike toppled over as he tipped over the side, to the musical accompaniment of ominous clicks as my heavy pistols ran dry.

The last biker realised the threat I still posed, so he focused straight ahead, opening up with his fifty-cal machine guns. I had to duck for cover as the bullets punched into the Valkyrie I was hiding behind, adding insult to her injured body. I needed to reload, but being tipped upside down in the crash had sent my spare mags flying out of my pockets. I swore loudly, and contemplated diving back into the Valkyrie to desperately search for more bullets.

A flash of blue and white froze me in place, and I could hear the angry chatter of Rebecca's machine guns as she chopped the hapless biker to pieces. I wasn't sure if he knew it, but when his decapitated body hit the ground, it marked the death of the last of the Skorpion gang.

Rebecca skidded to a stop in front of me, and flipped up the visor on her helmet, as she said with a grin, "Looks like you trashed your ride. Need a lift?"

I picked up Katie, slinging her over my shoulder, and gave Rebecca a grateful smile. Swinging my leg over the back of the bike, I tapped her gently on the shoulder to let her know I was ready. She revved up the bike playfully, but she took the corners nice and easy as she brought us back to Valhalla.

"What about that last truck?" I asked her loudly, so she could hear me over the bike, my face set in a worried frown.

She turned slightly in her seat, pointing off to the right, and said, "Mom nailed it with the Heavy Laser, and the mercs finished it off."

I looked in the direction she was pointing, and saw that right in the centre of the truckstop, a sturdy turret had popped-up from its concealed housing in the ground. Just as Rebecca had described, the long elegant barrel of a Heavy Laser poked out of that turret, and over on the far side of the truckstop it had melted a big round hole through the side of the last Skorpion truck, skewering the engine. There were several armoured merc cars parked nearby, and they had obviously been responsible for the hundreds of bullet-holes that peppered the stricken gang vehicle.

Letting out a wry chuckle I asked, "In that case, I don't suppose you've got a truck with a winch? The Valkyrie's not doing so well."

***

Jessica and I were up in Valhalla's lounge, and I held her in my arms as I explained that I'd be heading back to Kinsberg to repair the Valkyrie.

"Why don't you stay, Jake?" Jessica asked with heartfelt longing, entrancing me with her beautiful blue eyes.

I was truly torn, wracked with indecision as I stared at the only woman I'd ever loved. "I wouldn't want to be a burden on you and Rebecca," I replied in a faltering voice. "A man's got to earn a living."

Jessica's eyes narrowed in anger, as she snapped in frustration, "You made a fucking fortune on the Gameworlds! Then there's all the sponsorship deals I've kept going for the 'Legend of the Arena'. How'd you think I've kept your personal account topped up for the last twenty years?!"

I stared at her in shock, my hand instinctively going for my credit-stick as I pulled it out of my coat. I fumbled to press my thumb to it, and the display showed, "Available balance: 12345 credits."

I blinked rapidly as I desperately tried to process what she was telling me, but there were too many holes in my memory for it to make any sense. I struggled to remember anything particularly clearly past the old arena days, but some things were just great big blanks.

She saw my troubled expression, and reached up to tenderly stroke my face, as she whispered sympathetically, "You don't need to keep punishing yourself. I think it's amazing that you've been wandering the territory, helping everyone in sight for all these years, but you've got nothing to atone for." She paused, her face mournful as she added, "It was a freak accident, it wasn't your fault."

***

Suddenly I was back there again, upside down in my Valkyrie as I sailed through the air, and smashed through the safety panels protecting the crowds. My horrified eyes locked with those of a young boy, who stared up at me, too terrified to move, his hand held up as if to ward me away...

***

I pulled away from Jessica, hyperventilating as my senses were overwhelmed: red everywhere, the coppery scent of blood, piercing screams, wailing for the dead, and stabbing pain all engulfed my mind. "I-I can't," I stammered, staggering back a step as I clutched my hands to my throbbing head.

She let out a forlorn sigh, and stepped close so she could place a loving kiss on my cheek, as she murmured, "There'll always be a home for you here, Jake." She turned and walked away, but stopped to say, "Please say goodbye to Rebecca before you go. She's in the trophy room next to the tunnel."

I watched her leave, desperate to chase after her, but the searing agony in my head held me in check. Steadying myself against the back of one of the sofa chairs, I focused on breathing in and out, taking long slow breaths to get myself under control again. The pain gradually faded, and I walked away quietly, to go and find Rebecca, just as Jess had asked.

***

I passed the Valkyrie on my way to the outbuilding, her battered bodywork likely to need many hours of Bob's loving attention to get her back in shape. Rebecca and I had righted the Valkyrie a few hours ago, and we'd worked well as a team to replace the blown wheel with one of the spares I kept on my trailer.

The garage door still yawned wide open, and I could see light spilling out through a partially ajar doorway further back inside the garage. I strolled towards it, then placed my hand on the door, and gently pushed it open. Rebecca was staring at dozens of news clippings and articles on the leftmost wall, but my attention was immediately drawn to the wall directly in front of me, and the ten glittering trophies that took pride-of-place in the room.

I spotted my name etched on every one of those sparkling, Asphalt Arena cups, and with a start I realised they were all my original trophies. I smiled, feeling a sense of pride as I surveyed my legacy, then turned to look at Rebecca, who was still staring at the wall.

"You were incredible today," I told her, my voice full of admiration. I hesitated for a moment, and then added, "I know you said you lost your father before you were born. If he were around today, he'd be very proud of the amazing, heroic woman you've grown into. I never had any kids, but if I had, I would have hoped they'd turn out just like you."

Rebecca had turned to stare wide-eyed at me as I spoke, and her face crumpled as I finished praising her. She stumbled into my arms, her eyes filling with tears as she cried into my chest. I held her comfortingly, as I whispered, "You saved my life today. Thank you."

"Mom tried to explain, but I just didn't understand," she sobbed wretchedly.

I stroked her soft brown hair as I embraced her, feeling her trembling as she cried over her lost father. My heart went out to the heartbroken girl, and I wished I knew the right thing to say to make her feel better.

I glanced over at the news clippings on the wall behind her, and now that I was holding Rebecca, her body no longer concealed the framed picture in the centre of the headlines and cuttings. I smiled as I recognised the man in the picture. It was me, but back in my early twenties, fresh faced, and sporting a beaming grin after winning the Asphalt Arena cup in my rookie year.

I could see my own reflection in the carefully polished glass protecting the photograph, and my green eyes stared back at me, as I studied the changes over the years. I hadn't changed that much, except for a few extra lines here and there, but that wasn't bad for someone nearing the big five-oh. The one striking exception was the metallic plate built into my skull, sweeping back from my left temple.

Looking out at the headlines, I read each in turn, stopping to focus on a few that had marked the defining moments of my career. I smiled wistfully at the evocative memories they each provoked.

"Rookie sensation, Jacob Wagner wins Asphalt Arena heavyweight-class trophy!"

"Jake Wagner and his Valkyrie secure sponsorship deal worth millions with Tetra-Cola."

"Jake Wagner loses left hand in crash, but claims fourth consecutive Asphalt Arena cup!"

"Titanium Jake crushes all challengers, and secures record with sixth consecutive Asphalt Arena cup victory."

"Horror in the Powerdrome as Asphalt Arena freak accident claims 17 lives! Titanium Jake critically wounded..."

I shuddered as I read the last, gritting my teeth and clamping down with all my willpower not to get overwhelmed by the flashbacks. Rebecca needed me to be strong, and I couldn't fail her now, not when she was so upset. I took a deep breath and continued reading, holding Rebecca and rubbing her back comfortingly as she wept.

"Legendary arena champion, Titanium Jake, retires. Vows to restore order to chaotic homeworld."

I stared at the last headline in shock, and then quickly read through the accompanying article.

"Jacob Wagner, otherwise known as Titanium Jake, announced his retirement from the Asphalt Arena today. Famous throughout the Terran Federation for his astounding record of ten consecutive victories in the Asphalt Arena Heavyweight class, Titanium Jake was critically injured in his final season. In a statement today, given eighteen months after his accident, Titanium Jake declared that he would be using his vast personal fortune to clean up his old homeworld. Jacob Wagner was born on the anarchic frontier planet, Charon IV, bordering Trankaran Space."

There was a picture attached to the article, showing me at a press conference, with a beautiful brunette at my side, who looked to be several months pregnant. My eyes opened wide in surprise as I stared at the picture, suddenly recognising Jessica. The caption read, "Jake Wagner and wife Jessica expecting first child."

I blinked as I read the caption again, then looked down at the green-eyed girl I held in my arms. "I'm your lost father?!" I blurted, reeling from the revelation.

Rebecca looked up at me, wild hope in her tear filled eyes. She nodded hesitantly while watching carefully for my reaction. I blinked and stared at her in wonder, feeling a huge surge of happiness in my chest, and a lightness in my heart I hadn't felt in decades. Rendered speechless, I could only laugh in delight, hugging her to me fiercely and never wanting to let her go.

"I love you, Daddy," she told me, tears streaming down her cheeks, but they were happy tears now, just like my own. She stared into my eyes, and whispered, "Please don't leave."

"I'm not going anywhere," I replied, hugging her even tighter, and meaning every word.